Brockbank Debate Team Excels at State!

Submitted by brenda.johnson on

Friday, April 19, ten Brockbank Elementary students represented their school in the Utah State Elementary Debate Tournament held at Jordan High School in Sandy. Students spent months and months preparing and reseaching for this opportunity. These ten students earned the right to go to state by debating and placing earlier in the year at the District Debate Tournament.They have worked in partnerships preparing arguments for either the affirmative or the negative. All elementary students statewide receive the same topic. The topic this year was "Resolved that the state of Utah should significantly increase its support and development of nuclear energy within it's borders."  More than fifty teams from all over The Wasatch Front participated in  this tournament. Brockbank students did amazing well!  Mallory Bingham and Rachel Cahill took second place overall arguing for the affirmative, Emily Lund and Amanda Mitchell took third place arguing for the negative, and Paige Tomadakis and Anna Mockett placed fifth arguing for the negative. The second and third place winners received a plaque with their names engraved on it to hang in the school for everyone to see. In addition to that they all received a medal for placing in the top five and were also awarded a medal for getting High Speaker Points. All of the Brockbank students received an excellent rating from the judges, some just barely not placing. Faculty advisor, Mrs. Kristel Peterson said, "I am very proud of all the students for their progress and all their hard work. They all did terrific! This is the first time that Nebo District has had so many place in the top 5!" A huge thank you to Mrs. Kristel Peterson, who worked endless hours preparing the students. We would also like to thank all of the parents, but especially Rebecca Jensen and Sherry Bryson, parent volunteers, who did so much in helping the students and Mrs. Peterson get ready for this tournament.